Sexually transmitted diseases soar in Gauteng
More efforts are needed to highlight what can be done to prevent STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased dramatically in Gauteng in the past two years, with more than 500 000 patients treated last year in public hospitals and clinics.
This is according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa to questions asked in the Gauteng Legislature by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng shadow health MEC.
Ramokgopa says the 20-29 age group is the most affected, and that more females are attending public health facilities than males.
The reasons are attributed to social, behavioural and biological factors.
“It is disturbing that STIs like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea have increased so sharply. While they are curable, their presence increases the risk of HIV-infection,” Bloom said.
“More efforts are needed to highlight what can be done to prevent STIs and to provide swift effective treatment to prevent an epidemic among young people in particular.”
